Word of the Week

  In Luke’s Gospel this week, Jesus speaks about signs of the End of Time which includes rumours of war, famines, persecution and imprisonment of believers. Yet what stood out to me a great deal are these words: “make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words of wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resists or contradict” (Luke 21:14-15).   We live in a time when we worry about everything. We worry ourselves to sleep and worry so much that it prevents us from sleeping. We worry to the extent that it causes depression and anxiety and triggers other physical health complications. It is an undeniable fact that we have no control over how people will treat us, whether by persecution, false accusations, or just hating us. These are things we will face at work, at school, and perhaps in the very place we call home.   We have become experts in establishing defensive mechanisms (e.g. an often-unconscious men...

  When we hear the word "conviction" in the Biblical context, it sounds more often as a conviction for wrongs we've done. However, the word carries a broader meaning than this. In 2 Maccabees 7, we are given a clear picture of "Biblical conviction" among a mother and her seven sons. This family was arrested by a king and tormented with scourges and whips because they refused to transgress against the Torah. They all had a firm a conviction of their salvation and eternal life. One of them that spoke first said to the king: "What would you ask or learn of us? We are ready to die rather than to transgress the Torah of our fathers." This angered the king and he ordered that the caldrons (or "cauldron" --a large kettle) be made hot. Even after witnessing the horrific consequences in store for them, this family stood firm to their personal convictions. They knew death was only a gateway to immortality and the ultimate presence of God.   The que...

  Have you ever stopped to think if this (your life's experiences) is it? Is there more to your life here on earth? Better put, is there more to your life as a believer in Jesus Christ? Have you ever wondered how people in the Bible from all walks of life experienced the miraculous power of God, but for some reason it seems like such power doesn’t manifest today, at least in your life? As I read Luke 19:1-10, my mind became bombarded with thoughts along the line of the questions presented above. I am one who has experienced affliction beyond measure and at times my mind wanders into places of doubt and frustration. So, as I read about Zacchaeus' interaction with Jesus, I honestly began to wonder: can I get an opportunity like Zacchaeus to see Jesus? And you too may have asked yourself questions along these lines: When will this aspect of my life change? When will I get some longer periods of joy and wellness?   Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector in first-century Jericho, h...